Mounting system for arranging electric devices, for example, especially in switchgear cabinets

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a mounting system ( 1 ) for arranging electric devices ( 2 ), for example, especially in switchgear cabinets. Said mounting system ( 1 ) comprises at least one preferably horizontal mounting strip ( 3 ) to which at least one device ( 2 ) can be secured. The, mounting strip ( 3 ) includes a support rail ( 6 ) to which the device ( 2 ) can be releasably fastened and which is located in a first section ( 41 ) of the mounting strip, said first section being preferably central in relation to a cross-sectional view through the mounting strip ( 3 ), transversely to the longitudinal axis thereof. The invention is characterized in that a third section ( 43 ) of the mounting strip located at a distance from the support rail ( 6 ) is at a greater vertical distance ( 44 ) from the bottom point ( 39 ) of the support rail ( 6 ) than a second section ( 42 ) at its end that is closer to the support rail ( 6 ), especially its end adjoining the support rail ( 6 ), said second section being located between the first section ( 41 ) and the third section ( 43 ).

The invention relates to a mounting system for arranging electric devices, for example, in particular, in switch cabinets.

In industrial control technology, electric devices are frequently arranged in switch cabinets or switch control boxes. The individual devices are mounted on support rails such as, for example, a top hat rail, and may be strung together. The devices are then wired, wherein a comb-like organizing means is attached to the mounting strip that includes the support rail, in order to situate the connecting lines of the devices in the proper order. An associated mounting system is offered by the applicant Friedrich Laze GmbH in 71384 Weinstadt and is known, for example, from DE 297 16 229 U1 , from DE 199 08 350 A1 or also from DE 30 2008 015 309 U1.

The object of the present invention is to provide a new mounting system, which has improved performance characteristics, in particular, is extremely versatile and is nevertheless easy to handle and to install. In one embodiment, the arranging of the devices on the support rail of the mounting strip is intended to be further simplified and to exhibit further increased flexibility. In addition, the heat management of the devices is intended to be improved.

The object is achieved by the mounting system specified in claim 1. Specific embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

In one embodiment, the mounting system includes at least one mounting strip extending preferably horizontally, optionally also multiple parallel mounting strips, to which devices may be attached. The mounting strip includes a support rail on a first, preferably central, section, in cross-section situated transversely to the longitudinal axis through the mounting strip, for example, a standardized top hat rail, or one corresponding substantially to a standard, to which the devices may be releasably fastened. The mounting strips may be fastened to a support device, for example, to profile rods extending at a right angle and preferably vertically to the mounting strips. The mounting strips, together with the profile rods, may form a mounting frame, which may be pre-assembled and subsequently inserted, for example, in a switch cabinet.

In one embodiment, the mounting strip is designed in such a way and, in particular, shaped, so that a third section of the mounting strip spaced apart from the support rail is at a greater vertical distance from the bottom point of the support rail than a second section disposed between the first and the third section at its end that is close to the support rail, in particular, the end adjacent to the support rail. The bottom point of the support rail, which may be designed as an integral part of the mounting strip, is formed, for example, by the transition of the support rail to the second area of the mounting strip adjoining the support rail.

The bottom point of the support rail forms a reference height, in relation to which the section of the support rail that interacts with the device when the device is fastened, differs, for example, by 7.5 or 15 mm. The third section of the mounting strip spaced apart from the support rail and, for example, situated at or near an end edge of the mounting strip, is located, in relation to the reference height, on the opposite side of the section of the support rail interacting with the device.

The vertical distance of the third section from the relative height in this case may be more than 50% and less than 200%, in particular, more than 80% and less than 125%, and preferably, approximately 100% of the vertical distance of the section of the support rail, which interacts with the device when the device is fastened. In one exemplary embodiment, the lateral distance of the third section from the support rail corresponds to approximately half the maximum allowable structural height of the device to be fastened to the support rail.

The vertical distance of the third section from the relative height may be formed by a single level or multi-level offset of the cross-sectional shape of the mounting strip. Alternatively, in an embodiment which also achieves the underlying object, the mounting strip may have a convex curvature, at least in sections, so that, as a result, the first section of the mounting strip forming or supporting the support rail is curved outward. The mounting strip may exhibit the convex curvature, in particular, in the second section situated between the first and the third section.

The mounting strip may, for example, be formed from a profile rod and may be manufactured from aluminum or an aluminum-containing alloy. The profile of the mounting strip may be symmetrical relative to a center plane. Alternatively, or in addition, the mounting system may also include mounting strips, which are asymmetrical relative to a center plane, in particular, those whose support rail and/or slide nut channel is symmetrical relative to a center plane, but the lateral extension of which originates from the center plane differs.

The convex curvature may extend at least on one side, preferably on both sides, over an angular range of more than 8° and less than 30°, in particular more than 10° and less than 25°, and preferably more than 12° and less than 20°. In one embodiment, the convex curvature extends on both sides over approximately 15°. In asymmetrical profiles of the mounting strip, the angle may be greater on one side, in particular, the curvature more extreme, than on the other side.

In one embodiment, the radius of the convex curvature is more than double, in particular more than triple, and preferably even more than four times the lateral extension of the curved second section.

Because of the profile of the mounting strip according to the invention, it is possible to also fasten devices of large design to the mounting strip, in spite of a relatively low height of the support rail of, for example, 7.5 mm, because the devices, when they are placed on the support rail, do not come into blocking contact with the mounting strip, in particular, not into blocking contact with the second section of the mounting strip. It is particularly advantageous that devices of various sizes may be fastened to one and the same support rail, in particular, that for large devices, for example, it is not necessary to provide a support rail having a greater support rail height. This eliminates the necessity of holding in reserve and, if needed, inserting, mounting strips having support rails of different heights, or even of adapting a previously assembled mounting system through replacement of a mounting strip. Moreover, because of the profile of the mounting strip according to the invention, the distance of the device relative to the mounting strip is increased, as a result of which the cooling of the device is improved and, therefore, the heat management of the mounting system.

In one embodiment, the mounting strip includes a groove along its longitudinal extension for detachable locking insertion of identification plates. Thus, a reliable identification of the fastened devices and/or their connecting lines is simplified. The identification plates may be slid along the groove and positioned at the desired location.

In one embodiment, the groove includes an undercut, in which the identification plates insertable in the groove engage in a locking manner with the aid of resiliently deflectable arms. This further simplifies the mounting of the identification plates, in particular, the identification plates may be released and attached either without the use of tools or using simple tools and minimal force.

In one embodiment, the groove is situated in the area of the third section of the mounting strip or in the end of the second section distant from the first section. This ensures that the identification plate is always readable, even when the device is fastened. In addition, the identification plate may be attached or detached even when the device is fastened.

In one embodiment, the mounting strip includes, on at least one free end distant from the support rail, a receiving device for an organizing means, which may be fastened to the mounting strip for organizing the connecting lines of the devices attached to the mounting strip.

The devices may, for example, be electric devices, for example, power supplies, fuses, controls, input/output modules, interface units, temperature converters, analog/digital converters or the like. Alternatively or in addition, the device may also include non-electrical components, for example, optical components or pneumatic components.

Further advantages, features and details of the invention are set forth in the dependent claims and the following description, in which multiple exemplary embodiment are described in detail with reference to the drawings. In such case, each of the features mentioned in the claims and in the description may be essential to the invention, alone or in any combination thereof.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a mounting system,

FIG. 2 shows an enlarged representation of a mounting strip,

FIG. 3 shows an exemplary embodiment of a first organizing means,

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a mounting strip with an organizing means inserted,

FIG. 5 shows the mounting strip of FIG. 4 with a replaced organizing segment,

FIG. 6 shows a view of another organizing segment,

FIG. 7 shows a section through a mounting strip with the organizing segment of FIG. 6 fastened thereto,

FIG. 8 shows an enlarged representation of a partial section from FIG. 7,

FIG. 9 shows a view of another organizing segment,

FIG. 10 shows a section through a mounting strip with the organizing segment of FIG. 9 fastened thereto,

FIG. 11 shows an enlarged representation of a partial section from FIG. 10,

FIG. 12 shows a view of another component,

FIG. 13 shows a section through a mounting strip with the additional component of FIG. 12 fastened thereto,

FIG. 14 shows an enlarged representation of a partial section from FIG. 13,

FIG. 15 shows a side view of a mounting strip according to the prior art,

FIG. 16 shows a side view of a switch panel according to the prior art,

FIG. 17 shows a side view of one exemplary embodiment of a mounting strip as the device is being attached,

FIG. 18 shows a side view of one exemplary embodiment of a mounting strip with the device attached,

FIG. 19 shows a perspective view of a mounting strip,

FIG. 20 shows a side view of the mounting strip of FIG. 19,

FIG. 21 shows an enlarged representation of a partial section from FIG. 20,

FIG. 22 shows a perspective view of an end of the mounting strip,

FIG. 23 shows a side view of the mounting strip of FIG. 22,

FIG. 24 shows an enlarged representation of a partial section from FIG. 23,

FIG. 25 shows a perspective view of the rear side of the mounting system of FIG. 1,

FIG. 26 shows a side view of a mounting strip of FIG. 25,

FIG. 27 shows a side view of a mounting strip having an adapter element snapped onto the locking flanges,

FIG. 28 shows a perspective view of the rear side of the mounting strip having two adapter elements snapped on,

FIG. 29 shows a second, additional component of the mounting system,

FIG. 30 shows a side view of the mounting strip having a cable channel fastened to the rear side with the aid of adapter elements,

FIG. 31 shows a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a mounting system,

FIG. 32 shows a side view of another exemplary embodiment of a mounting g strip with no support rail, and

FIG. 33 shows a side view of another exemplary embodiment of an asymmetrical mounting strip.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of one exemplary embodiment of a mounting system 1, which includes a total of four horizontal mounting strips 3, 103, on each of which at least one device 2 (FIG. 17) may be attached. The two lower mounting strips 103 have a shorter lateral extension as compared to the two upper mounting strips 3. The mounting strips 3, 103 are each connected at or near both their ends, for example, up to 200 mm and, in particular, up to 125 mm away from both their ends, to a vertical profile rod 4, in each case with the aid of a mounting bracket 5 or a different connecting element 79 (FIG. 31), and, together with the profile rods 4, form a mounting frame, which may be pre-assembled and subsequently inserted into a switch cabinet in the state depicted in FIG. 1, or also with previously attached devices 2 and their connecting elements 34, 35 (FIG. 5). The mounting strips 3, 103 each include a support rail 6, to which the devices 2 are to be attached, in the exemplary embodiment, a standardized top hat rail, or one corresponding substantially to a standard, having a top hat rail height of 7.5 mm.

Attached to the longitudinal edges of each upper mounting strip 3 in FIG. 1 is an organizing means 8, which is composed of a plurality of identically designed organizing segments 7. Individual or multiple organizing segments 7 are selectively detachable from the organizing means 8, or are removable from the mounting strip 3, leaving behind a gap or to be replaced by another organizing segment 9 (FIG. 2), 11 (FIG. 3) or a group of different organizing segments 9, 11.

FIG. 2 shows an enlarged representation of a mounting strip 3. FIG. 3 shows an organizing means 108, which is composed of a plurality of organizing segments 11 formed in single pieces and successively arranged. Instead of the single-piece design, the ends of the organizing segments 11 may each also have linking means, by means of which the organizing segments 11 may be detachably linked to one another. The organizing means 108 may be manufactured in predefinable lengths of, for example, approximately 1 m or 2 m or also as a continuous strip.

Each organizing segment 11 includes a strip-like fastening section 12, which may be inserted into a receiving device 20, which is situated on the longitudinal edges of the mounting strip 3, and which has a groove 13 (FIG. 7). Incorporated in the fastening section 12 centrally with respect to the longitudinal extension is a groove 14 extending in an insertion direction, the one end of which, forming a tool engagement space, remains accessible even in the inserted state, and in which a tool 33 (FIG. 4) may be introduced for detaching the organizing segment 11.

The organizing segment 11 forms with the fastening section 12 as an integral component thereof preferably resiliently deflectable organizing elements 15, between which connecting lines 34, 35 of the device 2 may be inserted and thereby fixed in an ordered manner. Predetermined separation points 16, at which the organizing segments 11 may be separated, are formed by cuts in the fastening segment 12. The cuts in this case project beyond a stop edge 17 formed by the organizing segment 11, up to which edge the organizing segment 11 may be inserted into the groove 13. In this way, the position of the predetermined separation point 16 is visible even in the inserted state. A separation cut may be made from the direction of the organizing elements 15.

The organizing segment 9 includes two receiving channels 18 for the connecting lines 34, 35 to be ordered, each of which extend over half the length of the organizing segment 9. Two arms 19 of the organizing segment 9 situated opposite the mounting strip 3 and the fastening section 12 are resiliently deflectable for introducing the connecting lines 34, 35 to be ordered into the receiving channels 18.

In contrast, the organizing segment 7 includes a plurality of, in the exemplary embodiment, five, organizing elements 115, each of which has an elastically deformable hook section for closing the receiving channel 118. Additional organizing segments may also have variously configured receiving channels 18, 118, in particular, receiving channels 18, 118 of varying sizes, for example, one or multiple larger receiving channels 18 identical or similar to the organizing segment 9, and one or multiple smaller receiving channels 118 identical or similar to the organizing segment 7. In one embodiment, the longitudinal extension of the individual receiving channels 18, 118 is at least 5%, in particular, at least 8%, and preferably at least 10%, of the entire longitudinal extension of the organizing segment 7, 9. The additional component 10 of the mounting system 1 is an edge protection element. The organizing segments 7, 9, like the additional component 10, have an identical length, in the exemplary embodiment, of 50 mm.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a mounting strip 103 having an organizing means 108 formed by a succession of organizing segments 11 and inserted in the groove 13. An organizing segment 11 in this case has been separated by two cuts at the predetermined separation points, and by inserting a tool 33, for example, the blade of a slotted flathead screwdriver, the separated organizing segment 11 may be detached and removed from the mounting strip 103.

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of the mounting strip 103 of FIG. 4, wherein in place of the organizing segment 11 detached in FIG. 4, an organizing segment 9 having two large receiving channels 18 is inserted, into which a bundle of connecting lines 34 or a connecting line 35 with a large cross-section is inserted.

For improved fixation of the connecting lines 34, 35, the organizing segment 9 includes a retaining segment 36 projecting in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction, in particular, projecting together with the support rail 6 on the front side of the mounting strip 103. The organizing segment 9 includes a retaining segment 36 for each receiving channel 18. The free end of the retaining segment 36 is T-shaped for improved fixation of a retaining means 37, which may be a cable tie.

FIGS. 6, 9 and 12 are one depiction of the organizing segments 7, 9 and the additional component 10. The organizing segment 9 and the additional component 10 may be non-detachably fastened to the mounting strip 3, for which reason these components 9, 10 have no tool engagement space 14.

FIG. 7 shows a section through a mounting strip (103) to which an organizing segment 7 is fastened. FIG. 8 shows an enlarged view of a partial section from FIG. 7 in the area of the connection of the organizing segment 7 to the mounting strip 103. The receiving device 20 extending along the longitudinal axis of the mounting strip 103 and formed as an integral part of the mounting strip 103, in which the organizing segment 7 may be inserted, includes, in addition to the groove 13, the side walls of which have multiple additional grooves 21 or flutings extending in the longitudinal direction of the mounting strip 103, two snap-lock flanks 22, 23 on an outer side of the receiving device 20, which extend in the longitudinal direction of the mounting strip 103 and are formed as an integral part of the latter. In particular, the two snap-lock means 22, 23 are formed on an outer side of a wall 24 delimiting the groove 13, which is offset in the lateral direction from the opposite wall 25, which also delimits the groove 13. The outer side of the wail 24 has a surface extending diagonally to the direction of insertion of the organizing segment 7 and, in particular, diagonally to the groove 13. The diagonal orientation makes it possible to deflect the snap-lock means 26 with minimal insertion force when inserting the organizing segment 7.

The organizing segment 7, which forms a component of the first type of the mounting system 1, includes an associated snap-lock means 26, which is formed by an arm which, in the initial un-deformed state, extends virtually parallel to the fastening section 12, but which is resiliently deflectable relative to the latter, near the free end of which a snap-lock flank 27 of a first type is formed, which, together with the direction 28 of the pulling force, forms an angle 29 of greater than 90°, and as a result of which the snap-lock is detachable solely as a result of the pulling force. For easier handling, it is possible to apply the detaching force using a slotted flathead screwdriver 33 insertable into the tool engagement space 14.

FIG. 10 shows a section through a mounting strip 103, to which an organizing segment 9 is fastened. FIG. 11 shows an enlarged view of a partial section from FIG. 10 in the area of the connection of the organizing segment 9 to the mounting strip 103. The organizing element 9 forms a component of the second type of the mounting system 1 having an associated snap-lock means 126, which has a snap-lock flank 30 of the second type, which, together with the direction 28 of the pulling force, forms an angle of less than 90°, and as a result of which the snap-lock cannot be detached solely by means of the pulling force, but rather is self-retaining. Accordingly, the organizing element 9 is fastened with a great deal of stability to the mounting strip 3, corresponding to the large receiving channels 18 for introducing larger and heavier connecting lines 34, 35.

FIG. 13 shows a section through a mounting strip 103 to which an additional component 10 is fastened. FIG. 14 shows an enlarged view of a partial section from FIG. 13 in the area of the connection of the additional component 10 to the mounting strip 103. The additional component 10 is an edge protection element, which, on its surface pointing away from the mounting strip 103, has a surface 32 extending convexly over an angular range of 180° but deviating from the circular shape. The additional component 10 may be manufactured, for example, as an extrusion part from a plastic, and individually cut to the desired length. The additional component 10 does not have a tool engagement space 14, so that, in principle, it is possible to detach the snap-lock by means of a pulling force in the direction 28, but because of the material used and the structural shape, it is manually not possible, or possible only with a great expenditure of force. This is intended to prevent the additional component 10 from being inadvertently detached from the mounting strip 103.

in one embodiment, in which in those organizing segments 7, 11 or components in which the tool engagement space 14 is visible in the fastened state on the mounting strip 3, 103, the locking engagement is not self-retaining but is detachable solely by means of the pulling force, such organizing elements 7, 11, in particular, include a snap-lock means 26 having a snap-lock flank 27 of the first type, by means of which the locking engagement is detachable solely through a pulling force.

FIGS. 15 and 16 show a side view of a mounting strip 203 according to the prior art, and of a switch panel 303 according to the prior art, each of which includes a support rail 6 having a height of, for example, 7.5 mm. Because of the relatively low height of the support rail 6, the devices 2 having a comparatively greater design height are not able to be fastened thereto, rather at best, only those devices 102 which have a reduced design height on at least one side can be fastened thereto. To solve the problem of being able to attach large devices 2, even in the case of support rails 6 having a comparatively low design height, a mounting strip 3 designed preferably symmetrically to a center plane 40 includes, in addition to a first preferably central section 41, in which the support rail 6 is also formed, a third section 43 spaced apart from the support rail 6, which has a greater vertical distance 44 from the bottom point 39 of the support rail 6 than a second section 42 at its end close to the support rail 6, in particular at its end adjoining the support rail 6, the second section being situated between the first section 41 and third section 43.

In the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 17 and 18, this is achieved by a convex curvature of the mounting strip 3, in particular, in its second section 42. The convex curvature extends over an angular range of approximately 15°, and the radius of the convex curvature is approximately four times the lateral extension of the curved second section 42. The vertical distance 44 between an end of the second section 42 facing the third section 43 and an end of the second section 42 facing the first section 41 corresponds in this case approximately to the height 45 of the support rail 6, so that the overall height 46 for attaching the device 2 to the support rail 6 is approximately twice the height 45 of the support rail 6. As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, devices 2 of large design may be easily fastened to the mounting strip 3, in spite of the relatively low height 45 of the support rail 6.

FIG. 19 shows a perspective view of a mounting strip 403. FIG. 20 shows a side view of the mounting strip 403 of FIG. 19. FIG. 21 shows an enlarged representation of a partial section from FIG. 20 in the area of a groove 47 formed as an integral part of the mounting strip 403 for detachable locking insertion of identification plates 48. The groove 47 in this case has an undercut 49 on both sides, in which in each case a resiliently deflectable arm 50 of the identification plate 48 engages in a locking manner. The groove 47 is disposed in the area of the third section 43 of the mounting strip 403 or in an end of the second section 42 of the mounting strip 403 distant from the first section 41. This ensures that the identification plate 48 is readable, even when the device 2 is fastened to the mounting strip 403. The identification plate 48 may, for example, identify a connecting line 35, 36, which is guided adjacent to the identification plate 48 from the rear side to the front side of the mounting strip 403, or a device 2 situated on the support rail in the area of the identification plate 48.

Organizing means 8 or other components 10 of the mounting system 1 may be inserted in the receiving device 120, in particular, in the insertion groove 113. At least one of the walls that border the insertion groove 113, has one or multiple recesses 51 or flutings extending preferably in the longitudinal direction of the insertion groove 113, for example, for non-detachable locking engagement of a component of the mounting system 1 that is insertable in the receiving device 120 or insertable in the insertion groove 113. The outside of the receiving device 23 also includes a first locking flank 22 and a second locking flank 23, wherein the first non-retaining locking flank 22 is situated a small distance from the free end of the receiving device 120 opposite the retaining second locking flank 23.

FIG. 22 shows a perspective view of an end of the mounting strip 3 with the connection to the mounting bracket 5. FIG. 23 shows a side view of the mounting strip 3 of FIG. 22, and FIG. 24 shows an enlarged representation of a partial section of FIG. 23 in the area of the connection between the mounting strip 3 and mounting bracket 5. The mounting strip 3 includes a groove 54 extending in the longitudinal direction of the mounting strip and preferably centrally between the two support members 52, 53 of the support rail 6, which receives a head 55 of a connecting means 56, in particular, the head of a flathead screw. Thus, in a state in which the mounting strip 3 is connected to the mounting bracket 5, the head 55 does not protrude into the area between the two support members 52, 53 and, thus, does not hinder the attachment of the device 2.

In the exemplary embodiment, the mounting strip 3 includes a slide nut channel 57 between the two support members 52, 53 extending in the longitudinal direction of the mounting strip 3. The groove 54 is incorporated in the bottom surface 58 of the slide nut channel 57. In the connected state, the head 55 of the connecting means 56 does not protrude beyond the bottom surface 58 of the slide nut channel 57 nor into the slide nut channel 57. This makes it possible, even when the connecting means 56 is assembled, to introduce one or multiple slide nuts into the slide nut channel 57, in particular, even in a section of the slide nut channel 57 delimited on both sides by connecting means 56.

The width 95 of the groove 54 is less than 50% greater than the width of the head 55 of the connecting means 56, in particular less than 25%, and preferably less than 10%. The depth 60 of the groove 54 is less than 50% greater than the height of the head 55 of the connecting means 56, in particular, less than 25%, and preferably, less than 10%. The width 59 of the groove 54 is less than 90% of the width of the slide nut channel 57, in particular, less than 80%, and in the exemplary embodiment, approximately 75%. The width 59 of the groove 54 corresponds approximately to the width of the opening of the slide nut channel 57 facing the support members 52, 53. The depth 60 of the groove 54 is less than 150% of the depth of the slide nut channel, in particular less than 100%, and preferably, less than 50%.

The connecting means 56 in the exemplary embodiment is a flathead screw, which is inserted into a through-hole 61 in the mounting strip 3, and is screwed into a threaded hole of the mounting bracket 5. The through-hole 61 may be arbitrarily introduced at a location in the mounting strip 3 suitable for connecting the mounting strip 3 to the mounting bracket 5. For this purpose, the mounting strip 3 includes as a centering aid a groove 62 integrated centrally in the bottom surface of the groove 54, extending in the longitudinal direction of the mounting strip 3, and preferably V-shaped.

FIG. 25 shows a perspective view of the rear side of the mounting system 1 of FIG. 1. The rear side of the mounting strip 3 opposite the support rail 6 includes at least one locking strip 63 extending in the longitudinal direction of the mounting strip 3, onto which additional components 64, 65 of the mounting system 1 may be directly snapped, or indirectly fastened using a snap-on adapter element 66 (FIG. 27).

FIG. 26 shows a side view of the mounting strip 3 of FIG. 25. The rear side of the mounting strip 3 includes in its center area two parallel locking flanges 63, the free ends of which protrude relative to a connecting strip 67, and thereby delimit a groove 68 and a receiving space, into which, for example, either the mounting bracket 5 may be inserted or in which a connecting element may engage, for example, a connecting element for connecting an additional component 64 to the adapter element 66. The locking flanges 63 are formed as an integral part of the mounting strip 3.

The locking flanges 63 have a self-retaining locking edge 80 (FIG. 32), in particular a locking edge 80 with an undercut 81. The two locking flanges 63 extend spaced apart from one another, but parallel to one another in the area of the support rail 6 situated on the front side. A first additional component 65 is snapped onto the locking flanges 63 for the purpose of guiding connecting lines 34, 35 of the device 2 situated on the front side, the lines passing on the rear side of the mounting strip 3, which component, in addition to a connecting segment 69 that may be snapped onto the locking flanges 63, also includes two cable guides 70, 71 for receiving connecting lines 34, 35. The cable guides 70, 71, as is the case for the double-walled partition 72, are symmetrical relative to a center plane. The two cable guides 70, 71 are each accessible from the outside via two resiliently deflectable arms 73, 74, wherein the arms 73, 74 are disposed on sides opposite one another and adjoining the connecting section 69.

FIG. 27 shows a side view of a mounting strip 3 having an adapter element 66 snapped onto the locking flanges 63. FIG. 28 shows a perspective view of the rear side of the mounting strip 3 onto which two adapter elements 66 are snapped. The adapter element 66 includes a hole 75, preferably centrally located, which may be designed as a threaded hole or may have a rolled-on thread, a threaded passage, an insertion nut or the like, and one or multiple, preferably eccentrically arranged additional holes 76, which may form a mechanical interface for attaching additional components of the mounting system 1 on the rear side of the mounting strip 3. The additional hole 76 may, for example, form a positioning means for attaching additional components, for example, for inserting an associated positioning means of the additional components. The holes 75, 76 correspond with the receiving space 68 delimited by the adapter element 66, the two locking flanges 63 and the connecting bridge 67.

FIG. 29 shows a second additional component 64 of the mounting system 1, which is an additional guiding element for guiding supply lines 34, 35. The second additional component 64 is a two-tracked bendable wire part, which is clampingly fastened to the adapter element 66 with the aid of a fastening element 77 screwed to the adapter element 66. By partly loosening the fastening element 77, the second additional component 64 is still retained, but may be moved relative to the adapter element 66 along the two wire tracks extending parallel to one another, and subsequently clamped again, so that the desired position of the second additional component 64 may be set in relation to the adapter element 66 or the mounting strip 3 fixed to the locking flanges 63

FIG. 30 shows a side view of the mounting strip 3 having a cable channel 78 snapped onto the rear side of the mounting strip 3 with the aid of the adapter element 66.

FIG. 31 shows a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a mounting system 101, in which at least one mounting strip 403 is connected at or near both of its ends to a vertical profile rod 4, in each case via a connecting element 79. The connecting element 79 in this case is formed from a section of a profile from which the profile rod 4 is also manufactured. Alternatively, a different spacer may also be used, for example, a profile piece having smaller cross-sectional dimensions, or also a rod cut to the desired spacing of the mounting strip 403 from the profile rod 4. The head 55 of the screw, by means of which the mounting strip 403 is connected to the connecting element 79, is countersunk in the groove 54 in the slide nut channel 57.

FIG. 32 shows a side view of another exemplary embodiment of a mounting strip 503, which may be fastened to a profile rod 4 with the aid of a connecting element 79. The connecting element 79, preferably square in cross-section, includes an edge length which corresponds to, or is slightly less than, the distance between the two locking flanges 63, so that the locking flanges 63, as a result of a form fit, form a guide when the connecting element 79 is inserted into the receiving space delimited by the locking flanges 63 (FIG. 27). Even if, instead of the connecting element 79, a different spacer is used, it is advantageous if this, too, is form-fitted with the locking flanges 63, for example, in the case of a spacer rod having a round cross-section or rounded corners, if the rod, at least on its end section facing the mounting strip 503, has two flat sides opposite one another, the distance between which corresponds to the distance between the locking flanges 63.

The mounting strip 503, as in the previously described exemplary embodiments, also includes a receiving device 120 for organizing means 8 or additional components 10, as well as a slide nut channel 57 with a groove 54, but the mounting strip 503 does not include a support rail 6. Instead, the devices 2 are fastened with screws to the mounting strip 503, which are also situated in the slide nut channel 57, and may be screw connected there with displaceable nuts. The sections of the mounting strip 503 connected on both sides of the slide nut channel 57 are planar, for example, for fastening of the device 2 over a large contact area. The ends of the planar sections facing away from the slide nut channel 57 are bent at right angles and in each case form at the end a receiving device 120, which are offset relative to the plane defined by the planar sections

FIG. 33 shows a side view of another exemplary embodiment of a mounting strip 603, which may be fastened to a profile rod 4 with the aid of a connecting element 79. The front side of the mounting strip 603 has a convex curvature, at the apex of which a support rail 6 is disposed. Whereas the support rail 6 as well as the slide nut channel 57 with the groove 54 are symmetrical relative to a center plane 40, the second section 142, connected on the one side to the support rail 6 and ending at the receiving device 120 has an extension in the lateral direction which is greater than that of the second section 242 connected on the other side to the support rail 6. In contrast, the vertical distance 44 over which the two sections 142, 242 pass is the same. 

1. A mounting system (1) for arranging electrical devices (2), for example, in particular, in switch cabinets, wherein the mounting system (1) includes at least one, preferably horizontal, mounting strip (3), to which at least one device (2) may be attached, and wherein the mounting strip (3) includes on a first, preferably central, section (41), in a section transverse to the longitudinal axis through the mounting strip (3), a support rail (6), to which the device (2) may be detachably fastened, characterized in that a third section (43) of the mounting strip (3), spaced apart from the support rail (6), is at a greater vertical distance (44) from the bottom point (39) of the support rail (6) than a second section (42), situated between the first section (41) and the third section (43), at its end that is close to the support rail (6), in particular, the end adjoining the support rail (6).
 2. The mounting system (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the vertical distance (44) of the third section (43) from the bottom point (39) of the support rail (6) is more than 50% and less than 200%, in particular, more than 80% and less than 125%, and preferably, approximately 100% of the vertical distance (45) from the bottom point (39) of the support rail (6) to a section of the support rail (6) distant from the mounting strip (3), which interacts with the device (2) when the device (2) is fastened thereto.
 3. The mounting system (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the mounting strip (3), at least in sections, has a convex curvature, and that as a result, the first section (41) of the mounting strip (3), together with the support rail (6), is curved outward.
 4. The mounting system (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the second section (42) of the mounting strip (3) exhibits the convex curvature.
 5. The mounting system (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the convex curvature extends on at least one side, preferably on both sides, over an angular range of optionally, in each ease more than 8° and less than 30°, in particular more than 10° and less than 25°, and preferably, more than 12° and less than 20°.
 6. The mounting system (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the radius of the convex curvature is more than double, in particular, more than triple, and preferably, more than four times the lateral extension of the curved second section (42).
 7. The mounting system (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the mounting strip (3) includes a groove (47) along its longitudinal extension for detachable locking insertion of identification plates (48).
 8. The mounting system (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the groove (47) includes an undercut (49), in which resiliently deflectable arms (50) of the identification plates (48) that can be inserted into the groove (47) engage in a locking manner.
 9. The mounting system (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the groove (47) is disposed in the area of the third section (43) of the mounting strip (3), or in the end of the second section (42) of the mounting strip (3) distant from the first section (41).
 10. The mounting system (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the mounting strip (3) includes a receiving device (20) for an organizing means (8) on at least one free end distant from the support rail 6, which may be fastened to the mounting strip (3) for organizing the connecting lines (34, 35) of the device (2) to be attached to the mounting strip (3). 